Online Craps

The most fast-paced, adrenalin fueled casino game there is, Craps is sure to get your heart pumping.

Craps is one of the, if not THE icon of casino games. Played with only two dice, Craps is a wonderful game which, contrary to common belief, is not so hard to learn.

History

There are many theories about the beginnings of Craps. One version has it that it was invented during the First Crusade in the 1090's, by William of Tyre, Archbishop of the city. According to the legend, William created Craps to provide entertainment for the crusading Knights. According to other tales, it was actually a game played by the Ancient Egyptians.

Wherever and however it originated, it is known that a French-Creole noble landowner by the name of Bernard de Marginy is the person who is responsible for bringing Craps to the new world. Marginy was a "playboy" of his era who owned a plantation in New Orleans. This is where he brought Craps with him, which at the time was known as "Hazard"; the game became very popular on the Mississipi's riverboats. The person on whose name the modernization of Craps is listed is John H. Winn, a dice maker. The changes he injected in the game made it possible for players to bet against or with the shooter.

Gradually, Craps made its way to brick & mortar casinos, becoming more and more popular. Nowadays Craps can be played in most online casinos and while it is not as successful as games like Poker and Blackjack, it offers a unique playing experience. This is mainly due to the social aspect of the game – one will find it hard to ignore Craps table when at a land based casino, these are always oozing with action and excitement.

Glossary

Craps is a game with a lot of personality. Hence, there are many different localized terms in different casinos and places. In Craps, all numbers have nicknames, and these also vary in accordance to location. This list encompasses some of the general terms you need to know.

Aces: A bet the next roll will total 2.

Any Craps: A bet the next roll will be 2, 3 or 12.

Any Seven: A bet the next roll will total seven.

Boxcars: A bet the next roll will total 12.

C & E: A bet the next roll will be 2, 3 or 11.

Come Out Roll: The first roll in any Craps round. This roll sets a mark for all pass bets and don't pass line bets.

Don't Come Bet: A bet 7 will appear before the point is established again.

Don't Pass Bet: A bet the shooter will throw either Craps or 7 instead of the established point.

Easy Way: A roll of 4, 6, 8, 10 with each being unique (no pairs the likes of 2/2, 4/4).

Field Bet: A bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

Hardway: A bet on 4, 6, 8 or 10 which will be thrown as pairs and only before the appearance either of Easy Way or 7.

Hi-Lo: A bet the next roll will be 2 or 12.

Natural: A Come Out Roll of 7 or 11.

Odds Bet: A bet made in conjunction with a Pass Line bet.

Off: A bet not designated for the next roll.

On: The opposite of Off – a bet designated for the next roll.

Place Bet: A bet that a specific number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) will be rolled before 7.

Pass Line Bet: A bet on a pass line in a Come Out Roll.

Point: The number which is set during the Come Out Roll.

Rules and Conduct of the Game

A game of Craps begins with the shooter, who has to place a minimum wager on the Pass Line or Don't Pass Line. Then two dice are rolled – the dice must come in contact with the walls on the other end of the table. This of course is simulated in online Craps games.

Craps rounds consist of two different parts. The first part is the Come Out and the second is the Point. All players lose their bets in case of a "craps out" in the Come Out Roll – that is, if the roll is 2, 3 or 12. Players win the Pass Line Bet in case of a "natural" roll, 7 or 11. If the roll isn't 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12, then the rolled number becomes the "point", and then the game enters the Point part. In Point, all Pass Line bets are won if the shooter rolls the point; however if he rolls a 7 before making the point, all Pass Line bets are lost and the round ends. Each round a different shooter rolls the dice, with the role switching around clockwise.

A standard Craps table can seem a bit overwhelming, but that isn't really the case. There are three sections – a centre one where all proposition bets are carried out (bets like Hardways, One Roll bets) and then there are two side sections which are dedicated to the Pass, Come, Odds, Place and Field bets.

Strategies

Craps is one of the most complex casino games out there. However this does not mean you have to be scared to play it – quite the contrary – with a few basic strategies you can get your game going and slowly learn the ropes of the game, once you get the hang of it you'll be able to advance into the territory of more complicated strategies.

One method used by Craps beginners is to go along with a Pass Line bet with a sequence of Come Line bets. The Pass Line bet is as basic as it gets. Players can either lose on a "crap out" (2, 3 or 12), win even on a "natural" (7 or 11) or win if the roll hits the point and hits it again before 7.

Tips

Beginners should keep in mind that Craps isn't an easy game, but then again, they shouldn't keep away from the game because they're scared. It's a difficult game but it can be learned, and with time, even mastered. The best way to understand Craps is to try it in one of the many online casinos which the game in free play mode.

House Edge is something important to keep in mind while playing Craps. The House gets a 1.41% advantage with Pass Line bets, while other bets have the potential of yielding bigger payouts for players, the bigger the bet the greater the House Edge.

It's better to stick to bets with lower risks, especially if you're new to Craps. Stay in the Pass Line bet and Come Line bet.

Be polite. Craps is a very social game; make the best out your interaction with the other players.

Play responsibly, set yourself a maximum bankroll, and don't exceed your expenses.